People's Democracy

 JCP On Election Results

The standing executive committee of the Japanese Communist Party Central Committee issued on November 10 the following statement on the results of House of Representatives general election.

THE Japanese Communist Party in the general election obtained nine seats, down from 20 in the previous election. In the proportional representation constituencies, it received 4.58 million votes (7.76 per cent). Although this falls short of 6.71 million votes (11.23 per cent), which the JCP got in proportional representation constituencies in the previous general election in 2000, it managed to maintain almost the same level as in the proportional representation election in the 2001 House of Councilors election in which it received 4.33 million votes (7.91 per cent).

The JCP did all it could, but the result was a regrettable setback in the number of JCP seats. We are very grateful to everyone who voted for the JCP. Our thanks also go to JCP supporters, including JCP supporters’ association members, and to all JCP members for their hard work.   

The general election took place as the political alignment underwent a major change. The Liberal Democratic Party and Democratic Party of Japan staged a “contest for political power” within the same policy framework and by sharing the same positions on two major issues that have an important bearing on the basic direction of national politics: consumption tax increase and constitutional revision. This redrawing of the political map was suddenly produced during the run-up to the dissolution of the House of Representatives. It was in response to the business circles’ call for a “two-party system” to be established on the model of the US system. On October 5, after merger with the Liberal Party, the DPJ published a “manifesto” proposing consumption tax increase and a revision of the constitution. On October 10, the day the House of Representatives was dissolved, the LDP in its election platform revealed its plan to call for consumption tax increase.

The JCP unraveled, based on facts, the meaning of this sudden change in the political map produced under the guidance of business circles and large corporations. It called for a change in Japan to make the people key players and for opposition to the two undemocratic policies: consumption tax rate increase and constitutional revision.

However, only one month was too short for the JCP to let as many voters as possible know the truth of the matter and the JCP position.

Although the JCP had a setback in the number of its seats, we are convinced that its appeal throughout its campaign corresponded with public interests, and that it will play a significant role in future political processes.

JCP policies concerning social welfare, employment, agriculture and Iraq are burning issues in national politics. In particular, consumption tax increase and constitutional revision will inevitably be focal issues. In this sense, what the JCP raised during the election campaign bears great significance.

Business circles’ call for a “two-party system” to be established in Japan is not effective in helping break the impasse reached by LDP politics. In paving the way for Japan’s future in the 21st century in response to the people’s wishes, the JCP has an even greater role to play. It has resolved to do all it can in and out of the Diet to fulfill its election promises.

After extensively listening to people inside and outside the party, the JCP will review its election campaign at the next Central Committee plenum to be held shortly.

In preparation for the JCP 23rd congress next January, we will elaborate the draft revision to the JCP programme while doing utmost to build a stronger JCP. We will also do everything possible to achieve a JCP advance in the House of Councilors election next summer.